Look ahead for a striking modern building with tall glass walls, a wooden slatted roof, and large blue letters that spell out “Courtyard” above the entrance.
Now that you’re here in front of the Courtyard, let me tell you a tale with plenty of curtain calls and perhaps a spilled cup of coffee or two. Picture this-once upon a time, this very spot was home to the New Hereford Theatre, which started life not as a glamorous stage, but as a rather soggy swimming baths. Over the years, the old building grew tired and outdated. Instead of echoing applause, you might’ve heard the plumbing gurgling louder than a crowd’s cheer! But in 1993, a wave of excitement washed through Hereford when plans began for a brand new arts venue.
Suddenly, help arrived: the Lottery Commission splashed out a mighty £3.75 million for the cause. Architects from all around tossed their hats in the ring, but it was Glenn Howells who won the spotlight, creating this bold glass-and-wooden design inspired by an Elizabethan courtyard theatre, like a time machine with WiFi. Imagine, seats arranged in a horseshoe, the stage waiting to spring to life, the smell of sawdust replaced by fresh paint and strong coffee from the café-bar. On the big opening night in September 1998, the doors swung wide, ribbons were cut, and the public poured in, led by the artistic director at the time, Jonathan Stone.
Inside, the Main House and Studio can transform at a moment’s notice-a musical, a youth theatre riot, or a national tour; sometimes it’s even a cinema or a lecture hall. Brush past an art gallery, conference rooms, a rehearsal studio, and listen for whispers of rehearsals or the tap of tap shoes upstairs. Once, even a British prime minister used the Studio to launch his campaign-politics and panto under one roof!
With its “ultra-cool” look and lively shows, the Courtyard really earns its name-a place for people to gather, to laugh, to gasp in surprise, and sometimes, just to enjoy a sneaky jazz night in the café. You never know what story you’ll step into next!
